Department of Music and Dance

Courses in Music (MU)

A survey of musical styles from Medieval Gregorian chant to the present. No prerequisite. May not be counted toward the major.

Credits: 3.00

MU 004 -
Sound, Sense, and Ideas

A writing-intensive course, exploring topics in Western, non-Western, folk, art, or popular repertories. See Schedule of Courses for specific topics. Usually offered as a TAP course. No prerequisite. May not be counted toward the major.

Credits: 3.00

MU 005 -
D1: Intro to Jazz History

Survey of jazz from its roots in ragtime and blues of the late nineteenth century to contemporary styles. May not be counted toward the major.

Credits: 3.00

MU 006 -
American Music

Survey of American music from the Pilgrims to the present. Folk, popular, and classical music. Vernacular and cultivated traditions. No prerequisites. May not be counted toward the major.

Credits: 3.00

MU 007 -
D2: Intro World Music Cultures

Survey of selected traditional, popular, and classical music cultures from around the globe (Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East, Latin America, etc.) through readings, recordings, demonstrations. No prerequisite. May not be counted toward the major.

Credits: 3.00

MU 009 -
Music Theory Fundamentals

Fundamentals of music notation, rhythm, melody, scales, and harmony. A course for non-majors or for students preparing to enter MU 109. May not be counted toward the major.

Credits: 3.00

MU 010 -
D1: Blues & Related Traditions

Traces the development of blues from African origins to modern blues, its rural and urban social contexts, and relation to African-American history and culture.

Credits: 3.00

MU 011 -
D1: Chasing the Blues

Exploration of blues history and culture and its relationship to African American history through travel, speakers, live music, museums, discussion, reading and media.

Credits: 3.00

MU 012 -
D1:Music & Culture:New Orleans

Examines the interrelationships between styles of music in New Orleans and the cultures that support them; includes a trip to New Orleans during spring break.

Credits: 3.00

MU 015 -
History of Rock and Roll

Examines rock music as a succession of related musical styles and as a social movement reflecting and influencing the changing American political and social landscape.

Credits: 3.00

MU 016 -
Musical Theatre Performance

Singing technique and vocal development with acting/song interpretation. Includes posture, breathing, phonation, registration, resonation, articulation, and voice qualities (classical, Broadway legit, belt voice, belt mix). May not be used as credit by Music majors/minors; may be counted toward Theatre major/minor with prior approval. Cross-listed with: THE 016.

Credits: 3.00

MU 019 -
D1: Latin Jazz Immersion

Explore the culture and music of Latin Jazz from its roots in Caribbean and Latin American traditions to its "combinacion perfecta" with jazz.

Credits: 3.00

MU 021 -
Beginning Group Lessons

Group lessons at the beginning level in voice and various instruments. May not be counted toward the major or minor. May be repeated up to three times for credit. No prerequisites.

Private instruction in an instrument or voice for non-majors and non-minors. Subject to availability of staff. Lab fee required. May be repeated for credit. Not open for credit to music majors/minors. Prerequisite: successful completion of Level I Examination; contact department office for placement.

Credits: 1.00 or 2.00

MU 034 -
Required Secondary Lessons

Private instruction for music majors involving a required secondary instrument/area. Subject to staff availability. Lab fee required. May be repeated for credit.

Survey of MIDI and digital audio sequencing, notation, accompaniment, and multimedia software for music composition/arranging, performance, and pedagogy, including survey of pedagogical music software. Prerequisite: MU 009 or Instructor permission.

Credits: 3.00

MU 061 -
Creating Music for Video

Students will score short films using digital audio software. Emphasis is on 4-5 scoring projects, with additional background reading and written critiques. Prerequisites: MU 009 or Instructor permission.

Students develop and refine the ability to express themselves through songwriting as they study current songs, compose and perform original songs, and mentor classmates. No prerequisite. May not be counted toward the major.

Credits: 3.00

MU 076 -
Brass Techniques

Class instruction on trumpet, trombone, and horn including materials and procedures for teaching these instruments in elementary and secondary schools.

Class instruction on flute, clarinet, saxophone and oboe/bassoon including materials and procedures for teaching these instruments in elementary and secondary schools.

Credits: 2.00

MU 079 -
Percussion Techniques

Class instruction of various orchestral pitched and unpitched percussive instruments including materials and procedures for teaching these instruments in the elementary and secondary schools.

Credits: 2.00

MU 080 -
Vocal Techniques

Foundation course in applied singing, and in teaching singing. Intended for students in music education, and students intending to teach private singing lessons or lead choirs.

Credits: 2.00

MU 085 -
Intro to Music Education

Introduction to the opportunities, challenges, issues, roles, and duties of Pre-K-12 music educators.

Credits: 3.00

MU 095 -
Introductory Special Topics

Courses on topics beyond the scope of existing departmental offerings. See Schedule of Courses for specific titles. No prerequisite. May be counted toward the major/minor with Instructor permission.

Credits: 1.00 to 18.00

MU 096 -
Introductory Special Topics

Courses on topics beyond the scope of existing departmental offerings. See Schedule of Courses for specific titles. No prerequisite. May be counted toward the major/minor with Instructor permission.

Credits: 1.00 to 18.00

MU 105 -
History of Jazz

An in-depth survey of jazz from early New Orleans to contemporary styles. Work includes close listening, study of transcriptions, and stylistic analysis. Final projects. Pre/co-requisite: MU 109.

Credits: 3.00

MU 106 -
American Music

Survey of American music from the Pilgrims to the present. Folk, popular, and classical music. Vernacular and cultivated traditions. Includes research projects.

Credits: 3.00

MU 107 -
D2: World Music Cultures

Through readings, close listening, and hands-on study of percussion instruments, students explore how music communicates in culturally specific contexts from around the globe. Research projects. Prerequisites: Music majors/minors or Instructor permission.

This ensemble performs at several home winter athletic events. Open to all students; an opportunity for those with previous band experience to continue playing. Prerequisite: audition.

Credits: 0.50

MU 121 -
Concert Band

Concert Band is open to all students. Repertory is chosen from the standard literature as well as contemporary music. Prerequisite: Audition.

Credits: 1.00

MU 122 -
University Concert Choir

Mixed SATB choir. Performing choral masterworks from the baroque period to the present. Open to all students.

Credits: 1.00

MU 123 -
Orchestra

Full orchestra comprising strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. All university students may audition. Several performances each year.

Credits: 1.00

MU 124 -
University Jazz Ensemble

Exploration of classic big band repertory and works of contemporary composers and arrangers. Performance in one major concert every semester and occasional appearances off campus. Prerequisite: Audition.

Credits: 1.00

MU 125 -
Vermont Wind Ensemble

Vermont Wind Ensemble is a select group, open to all students. Repertory is chosen from the standard literature as well as contemporary music. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in MU 121; audition.

Mixed, select SATB chamber choir. Performing vocal music from the medieval period to the present. Open to all students. Prerequisite: Audition.

Credits: 1.00 to 6.00

MU 128 -
Opera Workshop

Study and performance of scenes from the operatic and musical theater repertory for the stage actor/actress.

Credits: 1.00 to 6.00

MU 129 -
Percussion Ensemble

Percussion ensemble is open to all students. Repertory is chosen from the standard literature as well as improvisatory traditions of percussion music.

Credits: 1.00 to 6.00

MU 130 -
Chamber Music

Study and performance of masterworks for small groups. Attendance at all rehearsals and public performances required. Outside practice required.

Credits: 1.00 to 6.00

MU 131 -
A & B Jazz Combos

Small groups (a rhythm section and three to five solo instruments) in which students improve their improvisational skills while learning jazz repertory.

Credits: 1.00 to 6.00

MU 132 -
Post Bop Ensemble

A small jazz group (rhythm section plus two to four horns) specializing in post-1950's repertoire (Wayne Shorter, Chick Corea, etc.) as well as original compositions. Prerequisite: audition.

Credits: 1.00

MU 133 -
Applied Lessons

Private instruction in an instrument or voice for music minors. Subject to availability of staff. Lab fee required. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Level I Examination.

Credits: 1.00 or 2.00

MU 134 -
Applied Lessons

Private instruction in an instrument or voice for music majors. Lab fee required. Juried examinations generally every semester of study. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Level II Examination.

Focuses on the business of presenting the performing arts. Topics include: planning, marketing, logistics and operations of non-profit arts organizations. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

Credits: 3.00

MU 176 -
Music for Elem Teachers

Development of musical skills, understandings, and attitudes for teaching music in the elementary classroom. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing in elementary education, and early childhood majors only; or acceptance into licensure program.

Survey of basic concepts and practices in music business including copyright, licensing, publishing, contracts, marketing, agencies, unions and guilds, and career development. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

Survey of the musical style of one or more composers. Context, history, legacy. Past offerings have included Bach, Beethoven, Stravinsky, and Ellington. See Schedule of Courses for specific topics.

Credits: 3.00

MU 203 -
Genre Seminar

Survey of the musical style within a genre. Context, history, legacy. Past offerings have included piano literature, choral literature, and bebop. See Schedule of Courses for specific topics. Prerequisite: MU 109 and MU 110, and either MU 111 or MU 112.

Credits: 3.00

MU 205 -
Period Seminar

Survey of music from a particular historical era. Context, composers, legacy. Past offerings have included music of the twentieth century, Baroque music, and twentieth century blues traditions. Prerequisites: MU 109, MU 110, and either MU 111 or MU 112.

This ensemble performs at several home winter athletic events. Open to all students; an opportunity for those with previous band experience to continue playing. Prerequisite: audition.

Credits: 0.50

MU 221 -
Concert Band

Concert Band is open to all students. Repertory is chosen from the standard literature as well as contemporary music.

Credits: 1.00

MU 222 -
University Concert Choir

Mixed SATB choir. Performing choral masterworks from the baroque period to the present. Open to all students.

Credits: 1.00

MU 223 -
Orchestra

Full orchestra comprising strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. All university students may audition. Several perforrmances each year.

Credits: 1.00

MU 224 -
University Jazz Ensemble

Exploration of classic big band repertory and works of contemporary composers and arrangers. Performance in one major concert every semester and occasional appearances off campus. Prerequisites: Audition and Instructor permission.

Credits: 1.00

MU 225 -
Vermont Wind Ensemble

Vermont Wind Ensemble is a select group, open to all students. Repertory is chosen from the standard literature as well as contemporary music. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in MU 121.

Mixed, select SATB chamber choir. Performing vocal music from the medieval period to the present. Open to all students.

Credits: 1.00 to 6.00

MU 228 -
Opera Workshop

Study and performance of scenes from the operatic and musical theater repertory for the stage actor/actress.

Credits: 1.00 to 6.00

MU 229 -
Percussion Ensemble

Percussion ensemble is open to all students. Repertory is chosen from the standard literature as well as improvisatory traditions of percussion music.

Credits: 1.00 to 6.00

MU 230 -
Chamber Music

Study and performance of masterworks for small groups. Attendance at all rehearsals and public performances required. Outside practice required.

Credits: 1.00 to 6.00

MU 231 -
A & B Jazz Combos

Small groups (a rhythm section and three to five solo instruments) in which students improve their improvisational skills while learning jazz repertory.

Credits: 1.00 to 6.00

MU 232 -
Post Bop Ensemble

A small jazz group (rhythm section plus two to four horns) specializing in post-1950's repertoire (Wayne Shorter, Chick Corea, etc.) as well as original compositions. Prerequisite: audition.

Credits: 1.00

MU 234 -
Applied Lessons

Private instruction in an instrument or voice for majors. Lab fee required. Juried examinations generally every semester of study. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: MU 134 and successful completion of Level III Examination.

Creative work in free composition culminating in public performance of completed work on a departmental concert. Prerequisite: MU 157.

Credits: 3.00

MU 257 -
Jazz Composition and Arranging

Composing and arranging for big band. Practice in techniques of jazz arranging and study of historic works. Final project is jazz standard arranged for big band, read by the UVM Jazz Ensemble. Prerequisite: MU 110.

Credits: 3.00

MU 258 -
Advanced Jazz Comp and Arr

Composing for small jazz ensembles. Practice in 2-, 3-, and 4-horn techniques. This seminar features student-led analysis, discussion, and in-class performances of writing projects. Final project is original composition arranged for small jazz ensemble, performed on departmental concert. Prerequisite: MU 257 or Instructor permission.

Credits: 3.00

MU 259 -
Thry & Prac of Jazz Improv II

Chord substitution, re-harmonization, scale alteration, "free" improvisation, and other techniques in written assignments and classroom performance of modern jazz repertory. Prerequisites: MU 159, or Instructor permission.

Project utilizes current music technology. Topic chosen under direction of faculty member. Prerequisite: MU 261 and Senior standing in Music Technology Concentration.

Credits: 1.00

MU 270 -
General Music Methods

Methodologies, lesson planning, assessment, and standards-based curriculum development for general music at the elementary and secondary school levels. Pre/co-requisites: MU 085; acceptance into licensure program in Music Education; concurrent enrollment in MU 271.

Credits: 3.00

MU 271 -
General Music Practicum

Supervised field experience in general music. Pre/co-requisites: MU 085; acceptance into licensure program in Music Education; concurrent enrollment in MU 270.

Credits: 1.00

MU 272 -
Choral Music Methods

Standards-based curriculum development, lesson planning, repertoire selection, rehearsal techniques, and assessment strategies for teaching choral music at the elementary and secondary school levels. Pre/co-requisite: MU 085; acceptance into licensure program in Music Education; concurrent enrollment in MU 273.

Credits: 2.00

MU 273 -
Choral Music Practicum

Supervised field experience in choral music. Pre/co-requisites: MU 085; acceptance into licensure program in Music Education; concurrent enrollment in MU 272.

Credits: 1.00

MU 274 -
Instrumental Music Methods

Standards-based curriculum development, lesson planning, repertoire selection, rehearsal techniques, and assessment strategies for teaching instrumental music at the elementary and secondary school levels. Pre/co-requisites: MU 085; acceptance into licensure program in Music Education; concurrent enrollment in MU 275.

Credits: 2.00

MU 275 -
Instrumental Music Practicum

Supervised field experience in instrumental music. Pre/co-requisites: MU 085; acceptance into licensure program in Music Ed; concurrent enrollment in MU 274.